Nalder ban a sign of ‘chaos’

AGRICULURE Minister Dean Nalder's "ban" from a State Government regional cabinet meeting at Moora on Monday, shows the government's leadership is in chaos, Shadow Agriculture Minister Mick Murray said this week.

AGRICULTURE Minister Dean Nalder's "ban" from a State Government regional cabinet meeting at Moora on Monday, shows the government's leadership is in chaos, Shadow Agriculture Minister Mick Murray said this week.

"It's clear that Colin Barnett has lost all confidence in Dean Nalder," Mr Murray said.

"The Liberal-National Government has sacked hundreds of Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) workers and created a biosecurity risk through its massive budget cuts.

"But Colin Barnett doesn't care about that.

"He's more interested in trying to avoid further embarrassment and backstabbing by Mr Nalder, who is locked up in Perth instead of engaging with farmers out in the Wheatbelt, who are crying out for some engagement and leadership at this critical time for the industry.

"Agriculture is coming a clear second to the Liberal Party's in-fighting and Mr Barnett has officially lost control of his government."

"Transport and agriculture are key issues in regional WA and the community would be disappointed they have been forbidden from talking to Mr Nalder about issues such as the government's closure of Tier 3 rail lines and huge cuts to biosecurity," Mr Murray said.

"There is still no sign of the long-delayed review into DAFWA, even after the deadline was extended by six months.

"The Premier said he wanted to double the value of our agriculture sector but he has ordered a halving of DAFWA staff from 2007 levels."

Farm Weekly understands agricultural issues were due to be discussed in the round table talks at Moora, but were postponed.

Mr Nalder declined to comment, but Premier Colin Barnett said he thought it was a good idea he did not attend the Cabinet meeting.

The decision was made after reports Mr Nalder was told about private polling by prominent WA businessmen that showed the coalition would loss the election if Mr Barnett remained leader.

"I think after the turmoil of last week, (involving businessman John Poynton and suggestions Mr Nalder was favoured to succeed Mr Barnett), I remain extremely concerned that a group of business people would seek to interfere with our political process and our system of government," Mr Barnett said.

"That's completely unacceptable to me and there was a lot of discussion about that.

"So the smartest and easiest thing to do was for Dean to take a few days off - it was my decision and I stand by it."

Mr Barnett said to avoid a media circus he decided it was better that Mr Nalder not take part in the Moora meetings.